Humboldt Forum, Berlin, Germany

Object Type
Museums

Client
Stiftung Humboldt Forum im Berliner Schloss zusammen mit dem Bundesamt für Bauwesen und Raumordnung (BBR)

Architects
Franco Stella Humboldt-Forum Projektgemeinschaft GbR (Franco Stella, Hilmer-Sattler & Albrecht GmbH, gmp GP)

Completion
2023

Expertises
Thermal Insulation & Energy Performance Calculation
Building Acoustics
Room Acoustics
Audiovisual System Design

With the Humboldt Forum, a unique center for culture, art, science, and education has emerged in the historical heart of Berlin. In 2002, the German Bundestag decided to rebuild the Berlin Palace, which had been severely damaged during World War II and demolished in 1950. Today, a museum, library, university, and event spaces are united under one roof, making the Humboldt Forum one of the largest cultural projects in Germany.

The exhibition concept relies on highly innovative multimedia audio and video presentations. The ambitious goal of creating one of the most modern museums in Europe proved to be a particular challenge, given the high demands placed on architecture and exhibition design. Tailored solutions were required – including a large media tower in the Agora with approximately 160 m² of video projection surface, high-quality sound systems, and optimal acoustic conditions for high-end audio playback in the area of ethnomusicology. Visitors can also interactively navigate newly developed three-dimensional virtual reality spaces equipped with 3D video systems.

The new museum building imposes high demands on maintaining a consistent indoor climate to protect cultural assets. Müller-BBM Building Solutions therefore carried out studies to determine the optimal summer thermal insulation, taking into account the complex architectural requirements. The building envelope’s energy performance was optimized to reduce heating and cooling costs and to prevent significant climate fluctuations.

Image Copyright
1 GIULIANI I VON GIESE
2 Stephan Falk
3 David von Becker